Kardinya firey passes 40 years’ service

FOR Kardinya resident Mal Boyd, firefighting is “a bit of a family thing”.

His dad gave 32 years to emergency services and his brother more than 30.

But Mr Boyd has trumped them both and says there is no end in sight.

The Murdoch Fire Station-based station officer was recently awarded another Diligent Service Medal clasp, this time for passing 40 years of service.

Diligent Service Medals are given to Department of Fire and Emergency Services career fire fighters and corporate staff who achieve 10 years of service, with a clasp issued every five years after that.

“I still have the passion and love working in a dynamic team,” he said.

Mr Boyd said his father had provided some inspiration for him to join just shy of his 21st birthday, but it was the variety offered by his role that kept him hungry.

As a station officer, Mr Boyd manages the day-to-day management of the Murdoch Drive station, ensures fire fighters are properly trained for their roles, and coordinates operations at emergencies including road crashes, fires and chemical spills.

“There’s huge variety,” he said.

Mr Boyd said he had seen plenty of change across his time at stations in the City, Kensington, Fremantle, O’Connor and Murdoch, particularly with technology and the level of community engagement.

The 61-year-old was one of 58 recipients recognised with a National Medal, Diligent Services Medal or clasp.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said all recipients were driven to help and protect people when they needed it most.